“I’m not surprised” – Jono Carroll always had World Title belief during rocky journey to the top
In December 2012 when Jono Carroll took to the ring in a pub in Perth for his professional debut versus Aussie journeyman Matthew Seden, few would have believed that he would ascend to a world title fight.
Indeed, few even knew who Carroll was.
However, the Dublin super featherweight never doubted himself and is now closing in on the biggest night of his life.
Back then the beard-less Carroll was living and working Down Under but, upon returning to Ireland, his career and profile would explode.
It hasn’t been a steady rise to the top, even since returning home, but here Carroll is, days away from challenging IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer [28(6)-4(2)-1] on the massive Matchroom St Patrick’s Weekend card at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Friday.
The Finglas-Dunshaughlin man is currently out in America acclimatizing ahead of the shot and there is no chance that he will be overawed by the occasion – as his showing at the press conference last month would attest to.
Carroll [16(3)-0-1] explained how “from my very first fight, I always believed that fighting on this kind of stage is where I belong. That’s the only reason I’m here.”
“I always said I was going to get here in the end so I’m not surprised at all to be here now. I believe this is my destiny and that this was always going to happen.”
Indeed, with this in mind, the Marbella-based southpaw has been able to adopt a ‘just another fight’ mantra going into the clash with Farmer – which will be the fifth fight of his career where he will be an underdog with the bookies.
The 26-year-old notes how “at the start of my camp for this fight, I had a bit of extra inspiration. Then I figured it out and realised this is just another day in the office for me.”
Carroll is promising a big showing on the DAZN card which also sees Katie Taylor look to become a three-belt lightweight champion and he outlined how “whenever I fight, I give all the fans watching exactly what they pay for.”
“I’m an entertainer and I feel these kind of big nights are where I belong.”
Photo Credit: Damo Photography – CDL Promotions – Western Alliance 9 (Jono Carroll’s Professional Debut)
